Kenya Cup side launch Impala Alpha Academy

Kenya Cup side Impala Saracens has launched the Impala Alpha Academy focused on specialized skills training that will be offered in a highly regulated environment, according to chairman Bob Asiyo.

The Alpha Academy benefits greatly from the experience of the longest serving Club Rugby academy in Kenya.

“The pathway is clear, from 6 years to the senior game. It has been developed by well trained and accredited World Rugby personnel,” the club said via a statement.

“It is established with regard to World Rugby and Kenya Rugby Union regulations and standards.”

The programme will run on Saturdays from 8.00 am to 12.00pm. The initial age bands are Under 6, Under 8, Under 10, Under 12 and Under 14.

In the Alpha Programme, Impala will also offer targeted training for Under 16 and Under 18 players and coaches.

“It is our hope that we will engage Kenyans in a higher value adding academy system at a real bargain in terms of cost,” said Asiyo.

For more than 10 years, Impala Academy focused on the community around Impala Club, including Kibera, Dagoretti and Kawangware.

Through that programme, Impala Saracens have built a pipeline of players right up to the national Simbas and Shujaa(Kenya 7s) teams.

“More importantly, we have had lasting impact on the lives of the academy graduands through life skills training, an integral part of the programme.”

“Many are those that have benefited from the character – building attributes of Rugby, from a young age. Some have grown to leadership positions in schools and other institutions. Others went on to start the sport Rugby in areas where there was none.”

“We are proud of the impact our academy has had. We will continue that programme under the Community Academy Programme.”

The Alpha Academy begins with an Open Day on June 15.

-Story by Okoma Hezekia